Introduction
A No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a scrumptious and simple dessert that does not require baking, making it great for hot summer days or when one wants a quick sweet. It consists of layers of graham crackers, velvety pudding with vanilla flavor, and luxurious chocolate frosting; these create the closest thing to a traditional chocolate eclair in dessert form.
Ingredients
2 (3.5 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
3 c cold milk
1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping, thawed
1 box graham crackers
1 jar chocolate icing (or homemade chocolate ganache)
Directions
Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
Use a big bowl to mix together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens. This should take about 2 minutes.
After that, combine with whipped topping.
Assemble the Layers:
Put one layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish.
Then, pour half of pudding mixture on top of graham crackers.
Another layer of graham cracker should be placed above the first layer with mixed pudding.
Put the remaining pudding on this another layer made by mixing graham crackers.
Finally, put extra coat of graham crackers at its topmost part.
Add the Frosting:
For better spreading condition, warm up in microwave for approximately 15-20 seconds tub of chocolate frosting before applying it on topmost layer made up by these crisp cookies (graham).
Chill:
To soften the grahams and let flavors blend well, cover it using plastic wrap then put into refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
Cut into squares and serve chilled. For an attractive look, you can add some cream whip on top or little chocolate shavings sprinkled around.
Storage:
After keeping in refrigerator for four days in an airtight container. The cake is even more delicious when left to stay overnight as all flavors will have merged completely.
Tips for Success
To make a pudding which is not liquidy or runny, ensure that it is thick enough before you add the whipped topping.
The overnight refrigeration of this cake will give you the best results because graham crackers become completely soft.
Cut the cake layers neatly with a sharp knife.
Health Benefits
This pudding has milk and pudding in it hence it can be considered as a good source of calcium and protein.
You can reduce the calorie content by using light versions or sugar free versions of: pudding mix, whipped topping, and graham crackers.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use homemade pudding? A: Yes indeed, you can use the pudding made at home but this should be thickened before laying.
Q: Can this cake be made ahead of time? A: Yes definitely! You will find it tastes much better if prepared the day before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Do not freeze it because the texture of the graham crackers and pudding may change.
Conclusion
The No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is an enjoyable easy-to-make-dessert idea that brings all the traditional flavors of an eclair without having to bake them. This cake would make a fabulous addition to any gathering. Get ready for everything being quite straight forward yet so tasty!
